Pressies and different beliefs

[Cloud_Walker]

"I want my child to make up his own mind, therefore I will him keep him from trying or seeing anything outside my own religious beliefs so as to keep him from being 'influenced' by them."

I was explaining what I would do. I don't have any religious beliefs. Religion can be encountered objectively and one's mind can be made up accordingly. A blatantly religious gift from an elder member of the family is an unnecessary influence.

[Anakha1]

Just because some people celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday it does not mean everybody has to. I'm an atheist and I celebrate Christmas. All that is required is Santa hats, a tree, lights, gift giving, and togetherness.

You forgot copious amounts of alcohol. That's the only reason I celebrate it. My Christmas Cheer usually takes the form of calling bouncers various things that I can't even asterix out, but hey. That's the Christmas spirit. Anger.

[Bortaz]

You forgot copious amounts of alcohol. That's the only reason I celebrate it. My Christmas Cheer usually takes the form of calling bouncers various things that I can't even asterix out, but hey. That's the Christmas spirit. Anger.

As long as it's Crown Royal, it's ok.

[Cloud_Walker]

You forgot copious amounts of alcohol.

Most definitely! Of various kinds, too! Celebrate diversity, Bortaz! :clap:

[Bortaz]

Most definitely! Of various kinds, too! Celebrate diversity, Bortaz! :clap:

Bah. Bah, I say.

[Stevebo]

Convert her from what, exactly?

Wiccan? I presume zodiac is bringing her child up in her own religion.

Incidently two girls i know from when I was in sunday school (years ago) are both Wiccan now.

Well, exactly. I'd like to think you'd allow your kids the opportunity to understand other religions and make the choice for themselves, though.

I think that when a child is young it is a bit much to expose them to a range of religions and get them to choose, I would (i hope) instill a respect and awareness of other religions and should they decide when they are older that another religion (or athiesm) offers them more or suits them better then that would then be their choice.

[zodiac66]

Wow, I was AFK for a few days and quite a few posts. I hurt my back again and it is not comfortable to sit at my computer.

Durf..we have had the Narnia series for quite sometime. Liam got them for a birthday pressie.

Yes, what bothers me is that she will try to influence Samara. I am the parent. If she wanted to take her to a bible school type of thing where there are crafts and snacks, that wouldn't bother me that much. I have never pushed my beliefs on my children, but I do draw the line where someone else does.

It horrorfies me to think that her Grandma is so upset that we do not belong to a church of her persuasion. She is an absolute control freak and I cannot budge from my stance.

Every year, the kiddies and myself have gone to my old church for Kids Day at Christmas. During Kids Day the children learn about Jesus, his birth etc. They make crafts etc. I have no problem with that. It is a belief and they can make up their own minds. But, buying a Bible and harping on Mass is another story.

Angels do not only exist in Biblical religions. I love angels..I have one with me at all times, I suppose that would depend on your definition of angel though.

Up until now, I have not exposed her to anything religious at all. I bought her the fairy books because I thought they were pretty...and the author's name was Samara .

As was stated, if we were Muslim and her grandma was/is Catholic..it seems to be OK not to expose her to other religions other than the family. I do expose..even though after the initial experience, I am done. If in 3 or 4 years, Samara finds herself interested in Grandma's religion, I would let her pursue it. I will not go, I cannot lend information to her. That will be her choice when she is ready.

Someone made a post that religion teaches right from wrong. Any good/sane parent can do that. Religion plays no part in teaching that.

[Bortaz]

Wiccan? I presume zodiac is bringing her child up in her own religion.

In the OP, she stated that Granny didn't know about her pagan beliefs.

[Dondrei]

I think zod just wrapped this thread up.

[Anakha1]

Who here said religion teaches right from wrong? That's a load of tripe if I ever heard it.